Horsley Named Captain

Ablett, Haynes, Parker and Webb are the four names mentioned by Kyal Horsley when asked about leadership qualities.

Horsley will captain the Lions in 2014 after being voted in by his Subiaco teammates, coaching staff and club directors

“I’m truly honoured, it’s a great club with a proud history and I really feel privileged to be named captain.” Horsley said

On the comeback trail from a knee reconstruction which prematurely ended his AFL career, Horsley’s leadership and impact on the Lions’ playing group over pre-season has been profound.

“When you talk about leadership qualities, to me it’s about taking different aspects from different people, you just grab the bits you appreciate and like.” He said.

Horsley notched up 14 AFL games over two seasons playing alongside Gold Coast captain and dual Brownlow medalist Gary Ablett

“I’ve always been a big believer in captains leading by example but it’s nearly impossible to do that with Gaz because he’s such a talent. But he was always massive on recovery and doing extras, he wasn’t a huge talker but just the stuff he does away from footy to get his body right, it’s something for younger guys to aspire to and it’s something I’ve taken on.” Horsley said.

Horsley’s WAFL credentials speak for themselves. 91 games including the 2008 premiership, two state games, Subiaco’s best and fairest in 2011 and runner up to Luke Blackwell in the Sandover medal count the same year.

The Goldfields product cut his teeth during Subiaco’s glory years under the guidance of some of the club’s greatest ever players.

“I look at a guy like Mark Haynes who was such a super hard trainer and a very good communicator, he was a guy who when I first arrived at Subi I really responded to and followed.” Horsley said.

“Aidan Parker who’s unfortunately hung the boots up, was a terrific leader and the same with Marc Webb, they were both very different but both really good.”

Horsley’s knee rehabilitation program is on track and he is expecting to take to the field early in the season.

Lions veteran and four time premiership player Darren Rumble has been named vice captain while Jason Bristow, Rob Forrest, Justin Joyce, Jarrod Kayler-Thomson, Wayde Twomey and Scott Worthington round out an 8 man leadership group.